Nebraska / Buffalo County

Moving to Kearney, NE

Thinking of making a move to Kearney, NE? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Kearney, NE

Considering a move to Kearney, NE? This welcoming community of 34,700 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $240,000 and average rents near $1,030. Commute times average 16 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (63% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Kearney's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Kearney, NE

Kearney has a population of 34,700 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 30 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 88% White, 2% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 9% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
34,700
Density
2,500 per sq mi
Median Age
29.8
Gender Ratio
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
8.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
88.0%
Black
2.0%
Asian
2.5%
Others
7.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Kearney, NE?

The cost of living in Kearney is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.5. Median home values are around $240,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,030. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$240,000
Gross Rent
$1,030
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,620
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 2.5%| High: 6.5%
Cost Of Living Index
88.5
Grocery
92.0
Housing
78.0
Utilities
96.0
Transportation
91.5
Health Care
94.0
Miscellaneous
89.0

Crime

Is Kearney, NE a safe place to live?

Kearney is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 190 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 61. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Nebraska.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
190
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,650
Crime Index
1,840
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 526
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 61

Weather

What is the weather like in Kearney, NE year-round?

Kearney experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 89°F and cold winters dipping to 14°F. The area receives about 24 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 63% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
14°F
Max
36°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
89°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
23.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
63%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $67,500 and a low poverty rate of 12.0%. Over 92% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 31% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 16 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$38,500
Household Income
$67,500
Family Income
$82,000
Per Capita Income
$31,500
Income Male
$43,000
Income Female
$34,500
Poverty Rate
12.0%
Non English Speakers
11.5%
Rent
$1,030
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
Public Transport Usage
2.5%
Commute Time
15.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
92.0%
Bachelors or More
31.0%

Education

How are the schools in Kearney, NE?

Kearney offers quality education options, with public schools like Kearney High School and Kearney Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including University of Nebraska at Kearney and Central Community College - Grand Island Campus. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Kearney High School
Street
2702 W 11th St
Phone
308-698-8000
Students
1,450
Student Teacher Ratio
15.0
Name
Kearney Middle School
Street
1924 2nd Ave
Phone
308-698-8200
Students
900
Student Teacher Ratio
14.5

Private Schools

Name
Kearney Catholic High School
Street
110 E 37th St
Phone
308-234-2610
Students
340

Colleges

Name
University of Nebraska at Kearney
City
Kearney
State
NE
Distance
0 miles
Students
6,000
Name
Central Community College - Grand Island Campus
City
Grand Island
State
NE
Distance
38 miles
Students
2,800

Healthcare

Kearney residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like CHI Health Good Samaritan and Kearney Regional Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 people and 90.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
CHI Health Good Samaritan
Address
10 E 31st St, Kearney, NE 68847
Phone
(308) 865-7000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Kearney Regional Medical Center
Address
804 22nd Ave, Kearney, NE 68845
Phone
(308) 455-3600
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage
90.8%
Health Care Index
70.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Kearney, NE?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $240,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 62%. The market has seen a 3.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.2%. Kearney offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$240,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,030
Owner Occupied Rate
61.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.6%
New Construction Rate
2.4%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Kearney handle vehicle services through the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Lincoln. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Nebraska
Department
Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles
Address
301 Centennial Mall S, Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone
1-402-471-3918

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Kearney, NE

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Kearney, review the core fields on this page: population 34,700, median home value $240,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,030, commute time 15.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 63%.

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